impetus
US /ˈɪm.pə.t̬əs/
UK /ˈɪm.pə.t̬əs/
1.
the force or energy with which a body moves
:
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The ball gathered impetus as it rolled down the hill.
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The rocket gained impetus as it ascended.
2.
the force that makes something happen or happen more quickly
:
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His speech gave new impetus to the reform movement.
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The discovery provided fresh impetus for scientific research.